US to conduct multi-day readiness drill across Middle East amid Iran tensions

ISTANBUL

US Air Forces Central (AFCENT) will conduct a multi-day readiness exercise across the Central Command area of responsibility to demonstrate rapid deployment and sustainment capabilities amid escalating tensions with Iran, the command announced.

“This exercise is designed to enhance asset and personnel dispersal capability, strengthen regional partnerships and prepare for flexible response execution throughout CENTCOM," AFCENT said Monday.

The exercise will validate procedures for rapid movement of personnel and aircraft, "dispersed operations at contingency locations," and integrated multinational command and control over large operational areas, it said.

US forces will deploy teams to multiple contingency locations to validate rapid setup, launch and recovery procedures "with small, efficient support packages."

"This is about upholding our commitment to maintaining combat-ready Airmen and the disciplined execution required to keep airpower available when and where it's needed," said AFCENT Commander Lt. Gen. Derek France.

All activities will be conducted with host-nation approval and coordinated with civil and military aviation authorities, it said.

The drill comes as Washington reinforces its Middle East presence, deploying the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group on Monday.

Tens of thousands have rallied across Iranian cities to voice economic grievances, prompting President Donald Trump to warn of US intervention if protesters are killed, though he later softened his rhetoric after claiming Tehran stopped killings following his warning.

Iranian officials have warned that any US attack would provoke a "swift and comprehensive" response.